Justice News

Two Miami Gardens Residents Charged with Armed Robberies

Two male Miami Gardens residents have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies, Hobbs Act robberies, and brandishing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Javon Antwan Lee and Kimani Mario Brown, both 18, of Miami Gardens, Florida, were charged by complaint with engaging in a conspiracy to lure users of internet-based classified advertisement services to an abandoned house and then rob the victims at gunpoint.

According to court records, Lee and Brown, together with other unknown individuals, engaged in multiple armed robberies beginning as early as February of 2016 and continuing through June of 2016, by posting advertisements on internet classified services for the sale of smartphones or other electronic devices. Victims would arrange to meet with the seller in Miami Gardens to purchase the advertised item only to be attacked at gunpoint by three to four men at a time.

The United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation caution all users of internet-based classified advertisement services to be cautious when purchasing items from individuals they do not know. If members of the community have been victimized in a similar scheme, or have information related to the crimes charged in this complaint, they are encouraged to contact the FBI.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Miami Gardens Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Widlanski.

A complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.